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Lagos State Health District V has disclosed that more than 978,000 malaria cases were treated across public and private health facilities in 2025, highlighting the continued burden of the disease in the state.

The Permanent Secretary of the District, Dr. Oladapo Asiyanbi, made this known during the 2026 World Malaria Day commemoration held at the Amuwo Odofin Local Government Secretariat on April 29, 2026.

He stressed the need for residents to adopt proper health-seeking behaviour, warning against self-medication and urging strict adherence to prescribed malaria treatment as part of efforts to eliminate the disease.

Asiyanbi also simplified key malaria control messages for stakeholders, outlining the state’s core intervention pillars of Prevention, Testing, Treatment, and Tracking.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing free malaria diagnosis and treatment in public health facilities, as well as ensuring the availability of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), rapid diagnostic test kits (mRDTs), and Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs).

The event, held in line with this year’s global theme, “Malaria is Preventable and Treatable: Together, We Can Eliminate It,” featured advocacy and community engagement activities aimed at strengthening efforts toward malaria elimination in Lagos. Stakeholders, including representatives from the private health sector, were in attendance.

A major highlight of the programme was a technical presentation by the State Malaria Elimination Programme Manager, Dr. Abimbola Oshinowo, who outlined key policies, progress, and strategies driving malaria control in the state.

She noted that malaria remains a major public health challenge, particularly among children under five, contributing significantly to illness and death.

“Over 978,000 Malaria cases were treated across public and private health facilities in Lagos State in 2025, underscoring the need for sustained intervention and increased community participation,” she said.

The programme also featured a panel discussion themed: “Barriers to Test and Treat Adherence,” where experts examined challenges affecting effective malaria management.

Panellists, including Dr. Abiodun Oshunsanya of Harvey Medical Centre, Ajeromi; Dr. Shosanya Abidemi, Medical Officer of Health, Ojo Local Government; Dr. Oshinowo; and community representative, Hon. Bashiru Ajayi, identified poor adherence to diagnostic results, over-reliance on clinical diagnosis, self-medication, and low community awareness as key issues.

They called for increased health education, stronger community engagement, and improved trust in diagnostic tools to enhance treatment outcomes.

The event also highlighted the importance of environmental sanitation, proper waste disposal, and the elimination of mosquito breeding sites as essential preventive measures.

Lagos records over 978,000 malaria cases in 2025

The chairman of the Delta State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Goodluck Ofobruku, and his counterpart, the leader of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Comrade Wilson Asekutu, have expressed concern over the non-appointment of substantive permanent secretaries in the state.

Representing the State Governor at the event, the Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, said the state government remained committed to strengthening the civil service and improving workers’ welfare.

The duo of union leaders stated this in a joint speech delivered at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration with the theme, “Insecurity and poverty are the bane of decent work,” in Asaba.

The duo said, “The continued non-appointment of substantive permanent secretaries has become a matter of deep concern, not only for qualified officers who have served diligently, but for the entire civil service structure.”

They added, “Appointing officers merely to function as permanent secretaries is alien to the traditions and standards of the civil service,” noting that it creates uncertainty, weakens institutional memory, and undermines the merit-based progression that keeps the service strong.

They expressed worries over the lowering of standards, stressing that “a civil service thrives when excellence is rewarded, when career progression is predictable, and when leadership positions are filled transparently and in accordance with established rules.”

On the plight of retirees under the contributory pension scheme, they said there is growing hardship faced by workers after retirement, especially those under the scheme, adding that many are dying in large numbers because their monthly pensions cannot meet basic needs, food, medication, shelter and dignity.

They called on the Delta State Government to take deliberate and compassionate steps to ameliorate their suffering, saying a society that honours its retirees strengthens the morale of its active workforce.

They also said, “Workers deserve not only decent jobs but decent living conditions.” They urged the Delta State government to make this a priority, ensuring that those who serve the state can also afford to live in dignity.

“In the same spirit, government-supported mass transit systems are essential. Affordable, reliable transportation reduces the financial burden on workers, improves punctuality and productivity, and enhances overall quality of life. A modern workforce deserves modern mobility.”

“Decent work is not a luxury. It is a right. And it is achievable when we place human dignity at the centre of development.”

On insecurity, they noted that “no economy can thrive where insecurity persists, as farmers cannot cultivate their crops, traders cannot travel, teachers cannot teach, businesses cannot expand, and young people cannot dream freely.”

“Insecurity has robbed communities of peace, displaced families, and disrupted livelihoods. It has increased the cost of doing business and discouraged investment. Most painfully, it has placed workers, the backbone of national development, in harm’s way.”

“A nation that cannot guarantee the safety of its workers cannot guarantee the prosperity of its economy. Security is not a privilege; it is the foundation of decent work.”

They added that “poverty is more than a lack of income; it is a barrier to opportunity. It weakens the workforce, reduces productivity, and fuels social tension.”

“When workers earn wages that cannot meet basic needs, when families must choose between food and healthcare, and when young graduates roam the streets without jobs, poverty becomes a national emergency.”

“Decent work is not merely employment; it is employment with dignity, fair wages, safe conditions, social protection, and the opportunity to build a meaningful life.”

“A society where workers remain trapped in poverty cannot claim to be progressing.”

The union leaders, however, noted that to overcome insecurity and poverty, there must be a collective commitment to strengthening national security through intelligence-driven strategies and community collaboration; creating sustainable jobs that offer long-term stability; investing in skills development, especially for young people; and ensuring fair wages and enforcement of labour standards so that work lifts people out of poverty.

Other solutions they proffered include supporting small and medium enterprises, the largest employers of labour; expanding social protection systems to shield workers from shocks; and promoting dialogue between government, labour, and the private sector, as progress requires partnership.

May Day: NLC, TUC berate Gov Oborewvori over non-appointments of substantive perm secs in Delta

Chelsea have received a double injury boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest on Monday.

Interim manager Calum McFarlane broke the positive news during his pre-match press conference on Friday.

According to him, both defenders Reece James and Levi Colwill could be back in the Blues squad to face Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge.

James and Colwill have both been sidelined because of injury, but they have now rejoined Chelsea’s first-team training ahead of Monday’s clash with Forest.

“Reece (James) is back in training, and Levi (Colwil) is back in training also,” McFarlane told reporters.

“Both are looking good, which is really positive. Things are looking promising,” he said.

EPL: Chelsea receive double boost ahead of Nottingham Forest clash

The Osun State Government has dismissed allegations by the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, that public schools in the state are plagued by inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of teachers.

The rebuttal was issued on Friday in Osogbo by the Chairman of the Osun State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Temitope Mustapha, during a one-day workshop organised for members of the state’s timetable committee.

Mustapha stated that the administration of Ademola Adeleke had prioritised education and was committed to ensuring that no school in the state was neglected.

He said both urban and rural schools were benefiting from ongoing development programmes, contrary to claims suggesting that some institutions were being abandoned.

According to him, “No school is going into extinction in Osun State. Our students in rural areas have performed excellently in external examinations, including NECO and WASSCE.”

Mustapha added that the improved academic performance had contributed to the state’s rise from 30th to 7th position nationally in recent rankings.

He described reports of school closures in rural communities as unfounded, insisting that such claims were being spread by “enemies of progress.”

“The insinuation that rural schools are closing down is false. Under this administration, no such thing has happened and it will not happen,” he said.

The TESCOM chairman disclosed that newly recruited teachers had been deployed to underserved areas to strengthen staffing levels across schools.

He also charged timetable officers to uphold professionalism, describing them as critical to the effective coordination of academic activities in schools.

“Every teacher, except principals and vice principals, must be assigned 24 teaching periods per week,” Mustapha stated.

However, the Director-General of the APC Campaign Committee for the August 15 governorship election, Wole Oke, had earlier criticised the state government, alleging poor utilisation of resources.

Oke claimed, “We don’t have school buildings, we don’t have teachers, and our children are no longer attending public schools.”

Osun govt rejects APC claims on schools infrastructure, staffing

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, on Friday, said the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), in Kaduna State, has made significant progress towards peaceful coexistence between the government and workers in the state.

Governor Uba Sani made the remark on his verified Facebook page.

He wrote: “Today, I had the honour of standing shoulder to shoulder with thousands of dedicated men and women at the 2026 May Day celebration in Kaduna; an event thoughtfully convened by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress to recognise the enduring contributions of workers to the growth and vitality of our state.

“I was particularly heartened by labour leader’s recognition. Their recognition of our interventions across critical sectors affirms the direction we have chosen. From the upgrading of 255 Primary Healthcare Centres and the reconstruction of general hospitals, to the recruitment of 10,000 teachers and 1,800 health workers.

“Equally significant is the disbursement of N17.796 billion in pensions, gratuities, and death benefits; an obligation we consider not merely financial, but moral.

“I reminded our workers that my journey has always been rooted in solidarity. As a lifelong advocate for justice and civil rights, I stood with labour in the defining moments of our democratic struggle. That bond endures. I remain, as ever, committed to advancing the dignity, welfare, and aspirations of every worker in Kaduna State.”

Kaduna NLC has improved labour-government relations — Gov Uba Sani

Worried by the massive acquisition of their ancestral farmland measuring approximately 200 hectares by the Imo State Government, the people of Ugakwoche in Egbule Obube community, Owerri North Local Government Area, staged a peaceful protest demanding that the government halt the move to acquire their remaining farmland.

Members of the community, comprising adults, youths, elderly men and women, on Wednesday marched from their village square to the over two-kilometre stretch of the affected farmland, which borders the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport road. Dressed in black attire and wielding placards, they cried and rolled on the ground to express their pain.

Some of the placards bore inscriptions such as: “All the land belonging to Ugakwoche is gone,” “No to land grabbers,” “Your Excellency, please come to our rescue,” “Our people are under siege,” “Our ancestral farmland is gone,” “Our children’s future is in danger,” “We don’t have another land to farm,” and “Do not bring criminality to our community due to lack of farmland for our youths.”

However, in a swift reaction, the State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Barr. Enyinna Onuegbu, dismissed the claims, stating that the government had acquired the land long ago for development purposes. He added that there was no fresh acquisition at the location.

Speaking on behalf of Ugakwoche village, its chairman, Pastor Cletus Opara, lamented that there was no formal discussion or memorandum of understanding between the government and the community regarding the acquisition of their remaining farmland. He described the alleged entry into their land on Good Friday last month as an aberration and an affront to the peace-loving people of the area.

He said: “We are here on a peaceful demonstration to register our anger over the government’s action of using its agents to enter our remaining ancestral farmland and begin bulldozing without prior information or any memorandum of understanding with the community.

“They had earlier acquired 100 hectares of our land for a Nigerian Air Force base, and because it was in the public interest, we allowed it. But returning now to acquire the remaining farmland without negotiation or due process means they want to destroy our livelihood.

“We were surprised because they never contacted us. This is not how to take people’s land by force. We are calling on Governor Hope Uzodimma to come to our rescue. Our children’s future is at stake. If the government does not intervene, it may create room for criminality and kidnapping in our area.”

Another community leader, Hon. Kelechi Opara, also condemned the government’s action, accusing it of a deliberate plan to render the people refugees in their own land. He noted that the community consists largely of peasant farmers whose only source of livelihood is being threatened.

According to him, the land in question was initially acquired in 2017 by former Governor Rochas Okorocha, who took 200 hectares and donated 100 hectares to the Nigerian Air Force for a base. The remaining portion, he said, was returned to the community by a panel of enquiry set up by Okorocha’s successor, Governor Emeka Ihedioha.

He added that the 2020 White Paper/Gazette directed the state government, through the Ministry of Lands, to recover the 100 hectares allegedly given to third parties without due process and return them to the original owners.

“To our greatest surprise, the same Imo State Government is here again, without notice, to take our remaining land—even extending to where we live. We appeal to the governor, who listens to his people, to save us from this method of annihilation,” he said.

Reacting, Commissioner Onuegbu reiterated that the exercise was not a fresh acquisition but the recovery and clearing of land already acquired by the government for developmental purposes.

He said: “It is the recovery and clearing of the said 100 hectares that is currently ongoing, not a new acquisition, except for areas already designated as compensation for the native landowners. I am aware of the protests and have advised them, through their traditional ruler, Eze Jude Nworgu, to formally write to His Excellency for consideration under the Land Use Act.

“How can I be a land grabber for performing my duty as commissioner for lands? In my own community, Mbaishii in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, the Imo State Government under former Governor Achike Udenwa acquired 2,000 hectares, and we are still living there. Under the Land Use Act, the Governor is the custodian of all land in the state and can allocate it for public purposes.”

Also reacting, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, Chinasa Nwaneri, denied allegations of land grabbing and urged the community to formally engage the governor.

“I will show you a copy of the government’s acquisition site plan. The remaining portion of the land has been mapped out for the construction of a substation for the Orashi Power Station. It is for the public good,” he stated.

Imo community protests over alleged illegal acquisition of ancestral land by government

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has identified insecurity and poverty as persistent obstacles to achieving decent work.

The governor stated this while speaking on Friday at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Muhammadu Sunusi Bello Durbar Ground in Dutse.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Insecurity and Poverty as the Bane of Decent Work.”

The governor said the twin issues remain deeply connected to the daily realities of workers and continue to undermine productivity and wellbeing.

Namadi noted that tackling the challenges requires deliberate policies and shared responsibility.

“These are challenges that affect everyday life, and they require sustained attention from all of us,” he said.

The governor explained that his administration’s 12-point development agenda is designed to respond to these concerns, with emphasis on agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, education and social protection.

He said the agricultural transformation initiative is aimed at boosting food security, creating jobs and providing sustainable livelihoods for the majority of citizens.

Namadi reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to dialogue with organised labour, stressing that the government remains open to engagement in addressing workers’ concerns.

“We value this partnership and will continue to work together to ensure fairness, transparency, and progress for all workers,” he added.

He called for sustained and collective action to address the challenges affecting workers across the state.

The chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Jigawa State, Sunusi Alhassan, acknowledged the government’s efforts in improving workers’ welfare.

He, however, noted that addressing poverty and insecurity remains critical to ensuring decent work and sustainable livelihoods.

He commended the governor for considering the welfare of civil servants in the state.

Insecurity, poverty undermine decent work – Gov Namadi

Nollywood actress and producer Bimpe Akintunde has officially announced the end of her marriage with her husband, Ganiyu.

She made this known in a post via her Instagram handle on Friday.

The post reads: “Honest Announcement !!!!

“Some chapters end quietly… but they prepare you for a stronger, more beautiful story ahead.

“This isn’t something I imagined sharing publicly, but life humbles, teaches, and reshapes us in unexpected ways.

“After deep reflection, prayers, and honest conversations with myself and my family, I’ve chosen to speak my truth because I once shared my happiness, and I owe it to myself to share my reality too.

“Before the arrival of my second child from my first marriage, which lasted less than three years, life took a different turn. It wasn’t easy it came with lessons, tears, strength, and growth. But through it all, I held on to my faith in God, the Author of my journey, and I’ve embraced my path with grace choosing peace, healing, and purpose for myself and my children.

“Today, I stand not broken, but rebuilt. Not defeated, but refined a stronger woman, a loving mother, and a soul still full of hope.

“Behind every smile is a story. Today, I choose to hint mine: I AM SINGLE.

“To everyone who has loved, prayed, supported, and stood by me thank you. It means more than words can express to me and my beautiful daughters.

“May Almighty Allah continue to guide and strengthen us all. Oluwa a duro ti gbogbo wa ni gbogbo ona o.

“It’s my birth month a season of reflection, gratitude, and new beginnings.

“Welcome to my birth month fam mii,” the post reads.

‘Some chapters end quietly’ – Nollywood actress Bimpe Akintunde’s marriage to Ganiyu crashes

Super Eagles striker Salim Fago Lawal has been ruled out of the upcoming Unity Cup tournament, DAILY POST reports.

Lawal sustained an injury in Viktoria Plzeň’s 2-0 victory over Bohemians Praha in March.

The 23-year-old missed the Super Eagles’ friendlies against Iran and Jordan due to the injury.

According to Czech regional newspaper Plzeňský deník, the striker will miss the remainder of the campaign after failing to recover in time from the injury.

Lawal was part of the Super Eagles’ squad at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Unity Cup will start in Charlton on Tuesday, 26 May, with the first semi-final between Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

Super Eagles: Lawal ruled out of Unity Cup with injury

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Assistant Superintendent of Police, Ejeh Alfred, in Abuja.

The visit, which took place on Thursday, April 30, 2026, followed the tragic death of the officer, who served as a driver with the Nigeria Police Airwing. ASP Ejeh lost his life in the line of duty during an operational mission on April 17, 2026.

During the visit, the IGP extended his condolences to the widow, Mrs. Mercy Ejeh, her children, and other members of the family. He described the late officer as a dedicated and committed professional whose sacrifice to the nation would not be forgotten.

Disu also reassured the family of the Nigeria Police Force’s continued support, stressing that the welfare of officers and the families of those who die in active service remains a priority for the Force.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the wellbeing of police personnel, noting that the bravery and dedication of officers remain critical to national security.

The IGP offered prayers for the repose of the late officer’s soul and assured the family that the Force would stand by them during their time of grief.

IGP Disu visits family of late ASP Ejeh, assures support